SAN SALVADOR TOUR

Tuesday, March 13, 2012

We are gathered in a classroom at a school that is one outreach ministry of a Protestant church in San Salvador. After a presentation from the students, which to my surprise was mostly comprised of quotes from Pope John Paul II on justice themes, I have a discussion with the Principal of the school. He informs me that the section of San Salvador where the school is located is the most violent in the country. Boys and young men of 15 to 17 years are killing one another. All the young people are influenced by the gangs. The school has begun a program -- Culture of Peace -- a prevention effort integrated with the work of the sponsoring church.

The visit to the Chapel where Archbishop Mons. Romero was killed in 1980 is an emotional experience. This is Protestant Pastor's sacred space. He says that there are people who wish to be known as "Romeros." He cautions us with a smile not to tell anyone that he wants to be a Romero. The fact is that the Pastor's relationship with Mons. Romero started many years ago. He was part of an ecumenical group in which the Archbishop participated. The Pastor tells us that Romero was quite open to these relationships.

The Pastor repeats a number of times that the bullet that hit Romero exploded his heart. I wonder about the assassin choosing the moment of the elevation of the cup to fire the bullet. Judas chooses his moment. Is this a religious sensibility at work or simply the moment of opportunity when those present have their eyes bowed? The assassination came after the Archbishop had preached his most frank and forceful sermon. He told the soldiers carrying out orders to intimidate and kill the poor that they did not have to follow the orders of their superior officers. A group of the elite of the country organized to pay for his assassination. The Pastor tells us that there were bishops of the Catholic church who joined parties celebrating the death of the Archbishop. "Judas" he says.

 At the little house where Romero lived there are photos. Romero's photos show him wearing clerical garb, often surrounded by smiling family groups. At the entrance to the courtyard there is a table with books of Romero's sermons. A nun of the Carmelite sisters is in charge of the sale of the books. We talk about Romero. I ask about where he is in the canonization process. She tells me that he is a "servio de Dios." She says that the Vatican is reviewing his writings and his life. Her comment that is that the process could move along much faster as it normally does for "martyrs." The social and political issues are slowing the process.

I put forward the opinion that the current Pope is unlikely to allow his canonization. As Ratzinger in charge of the Doctrine of the Faith he was frequently in conflict with theologians of liberation. I say that perhaps the next Pope will allow it to pass forward. The sister tells me that bishops who have spoken to the Pope believe that he may act to promote the canonization himself. She then refers to what Casadiglia, the poet bishop of Brazil, has said -- that the influence of Romero on those who work for social justice is what is most important, not any formal canonization.